Fayetteville State University celebrated its 30th Winter Commencement on December 12, 2025, where 665 students proudly received their degrees. It was a day of joy and achievement at the Felton J. Capel Arena.
The commencement address was delivered by Provost Monica Terrell Leach, who is retiring soon. She reminded graduates, “There is nothing more powerful than being the real thing.” Leach emphasized the importance of aligning one’s actions with their values, suggesting this authenticity can inspire positive change.
Leach brought a wealth of experience to FSU during her short tenure. She started in 2021, and under her leadership, the university saw growth in enrollment, stronger academic programs, and the introduction of seven new degree offerings. Before FSU, she had roles at North Carolina Central University, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Her efforts earned her the North Carolina Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest honor awarded for service in the state. However, her time at FSU wasn’t without challenges; in April 2024, the Faculty Senate voted ‘no confidence’ in her leadership, highlighting issues like teaching workloads.
This year’s graduates came from various colleges within FSU:
- 35 from the College of Education
- 210 from the Broadwell College of Business and Economics
- 279 from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- 135 from the Lloyd College of Health, Science, and Technology
- Six Doctor of Education degrees from the Department of Educational Leadership and School Administration
Remarkably, 242 students achieved summa cum laude honors, indicating a GPA of 3.8 to 4.0. Chancellor Darrell T. Allison led the ceremony, accompanied by Latoya Harper, President of the Student Government Association, and Glenn Adams, Cumberland County Commissioner and chairman of the FSU Board of Trustees.
The event began with the Air Force ROTC Color Guard presenting colors, followed by the Concert Choir singing the national anthem under the direction of Dr. Dietra Davis.
This commencement was not only a milestone for the graduates but also a reflection of the evolving landscape of education in North Carolina. According to recent data, about 73% of graduates from North Carolina universities report feeling prepared for their careers, showing a positive trend in higher education outcomes in the state. This reflects the dedication of both faculty and students in making the most of their academic experiences.
The Winter Commencement was a vibrant celebration of achievements and a reminder of the bright futures ahead for these graduates. Congratulations to all!
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